I hated optics because I vague knew what it was about. But my attitude changed when I took the class. I became fascinated quickly and developed a special appreciation for optics. Geometrical optics is just a basis for the really cool stuff. Like quasi-optics explores the use of optics for millimeter wavelengths. Yes you can use lenses as an antenna for microwaves.
Then the new frontiers of optics delve into negative index of refraction, superlens, and invisibility. So gotta draw those ray diagrams. Neat, neat stuff.